The Meta-ZIK astrOOptics is a strategic alliance between two innovation centres (ZIKs) sponsored by BMBF: ultra optics in Jena und innoFSPEC in Potsdam. The goal is to develop innovative photonic technology and to realize components for demanding astronomical applications that often require most advanced performances. The alliance is dedicated to contributing their expertise in a joint manner in order to conquer the numerous challenges in the development of such advanced components.

As a step forward from the development of the cutting-edge technology in astronomical instrumentation, astrOOptics will strive to demonstrate great potential in creating economic values. The target is to bring the golden prototypes developed for astronomy as “a knock on the door” to industrial applications in a broader scope and in a larger scale.

In concrete terms, astrOOptics endeavors to develop the following components: